It’s a no-frills yet reliable routine that keeps your strands in check, so surely you must be doing something right, right?

Factor in the dust and heat from the city, however, and you might end up dealing with a funky smell on your crown, unsightly white flakes, and an itchy scalp. Here, quick tips on how to keep your head in the clear.

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1| Don’t shampoo more than necessaryNo two lather routines are the same. How often you should wash your hair would largely depend on the dryness of your scalp and the thickness of your mane.

The ideal frequency of washing your hair has been widely debated. While the chemicals found in shampoos typically strip hair of its natural oils, which could easily result in an overproduction of sebum (and dandruff), fine Asian hair and Manila’s tropical weather don’t exactly make for a sharp combination. Meanwhile, coarser and thicker hair types could benefit from skipping a day or two of shampooing to even out the oil on the scalp.

Point is: If your head starts to feel grimy, then it’s time for a lather.

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2| Stick to sulfate-free shampoos and conditionersDitch your shampoo and conditioner if the words "sodium lauryl sulfate" appear on the label.

Be on the lookout for sulfate-free products: It’s a milder formula that doesn’t foam a lot, but is much more forgiving on your scalp. Sulfate-free shampoos don’t rinse out the oils as much, yet they're enough to wash away the day’s grime, sweat, and product from your strands.

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3| Avoid a hot bath for your headWe get it. A steaming hot bath is sometimes the best way to wind down after a grueling day at work. Before you go running a hot shower, however, take note this: Hot water, especially at a near-scalding level, can dry out your skin and ultimately, your head.

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If you must, hit yourself with a blast of cold water at the end of your shower to lock in moisture.

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4| Take a break from the pomadePomade (or wax or gel for that matter) can deliver an old-school slick look to your mane. Yet, like any other product, pomades can clog your pores and be quite harsh on your scalp. If you’re enjoying a day off from work, let your scalp rest as well.

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5| Go for a scalp treatmentWhen home remedies aren’t cutting it or you’re simply looking for pampering, leave it to the pros to offer some relief to your weary, clogged, and dandruff-ridden scalp. There are specialty barbershops that offer scalp cleansing and treatments to refresh and revitalize your head.